.svg)
On April 9, we commemorate Bataan Day – a significant event in history that honors the bravery and sacrifice of Filipino and American soldiers during World War II. On this day in 1942, the Battle of Bataan ended with thousands of soldiers being forced to march 65 miles to a prisoner-of-war camp, known as the Bataan Death March. Despite facing unimaginable hardships and atrocities, these soldiers showed incredible courage and resilience. This day serves as a reminder to never forget their heroism and to honor their memory. Let's take a moment to pay tribute to these brave individuals on this important day.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1941</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Outbreak of World War II</div><div class='timeline-text'>This year marked the outbreak of World War II in the Pacific as Japanese forces invaded the Philippines.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1942</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>The Battle of Bataan</div><div class='timeline-text'>On April 9, 1942, after months of fighting, Filipino and American forces surrendered leading to the Bataan Death March.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1946</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Commemoration</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first known celebration in honor of those who perished and survived took place, marking the beginning of what would later become Bataan Day.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1961</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Bataan Day Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Philippines' President Diosdado Macapagal signed Republic Act No. 3022 declaring April 9 a legal holiday to commemorate the fall of Bataan.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Holiday Renaming</div><div class='timeline-text'>President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo renamed Bataan Day to Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), commemorating not just the Fall of Bataan, but all events from World War II.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a commemorative event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find out if there are any local events or ceremonies being held in honor of Bataan Day and attend one to pay your respects and learn more about its significance.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a museum or exhibit</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend the day learning about the history of Bataan and its brave soldiers by visiting a museum or exhibit dedicated to the event. This is a great way to educate yourself and pay tribute at the same time.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Watch a documentary or film</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>There are many documentaries and films that tell the story of Bataan Day and its significance. Gather some friends or family and watch one to commemorate the day together.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Participate in a fundraiser or charity event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use the day to give back by participating in a fundraiser or charity event that supports veterans or their families. This is a great way to honor those who made sacrifices during Bataan Day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make a traditional Filipino meal</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In honor of the Filipino soldiers who fought during Bataan Day, try making a traditional Filipino meal for your friends and family. This is a tasty way to celebrate and learn more about the culture.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honors the bravery and sacrifices of soldiers</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Bataan Day is a day to remember and honor the heroic acts of Filipino and American soldiers during World War II. It serves as a reminder of their courage, determination, and sacrifice in defending their country against foreign invaders.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It commemorates an important chapter in Philippine history</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942 marked an important turn of events in the Philippines' struggle for independence. Bataan Day serves as a reminder of this significant moment in history and allows us to reflect on its impact on our nation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings communities together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Bataan Day is not only observed nationally, but it also serves as a time for local communities to come together and pay respect to those who fought for their country. Through commemorative events, people from all walks of life can join in remembering and honoring the soldiers' bravery and sacrifice.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Bataan Death March was a War Crime</h3><p class='facts-content'>The forced transfer of about 60,000 to 80,000 Filipino and American prisoners of war during the Bataan Death March was considered a war crime due to inhumane treatment and conditions.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Surviving Soldiers Became Advocates for Human Rights</h3><p class='facts-content'>Surviving soldiers from the Bataan Death March continued to advocate for human rights, ensuring the horrors of their experiences are never forgotten and serve as a reminder against the recurrence of such atrocities.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Several Monuments have been Erected in Memory of Bataan Heroes</h3><p class='facts-content'>Monuments such as the Mount Samat National Shrine in the Philippines and Bataan Death March memorial in New Mexico, USA were erected to honor the memory of these fallen heroes.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Bataan Day was a Battle Cry for Philippine Guerrilla Forces during World War II</h3><p class='facts-content'>"Remember Bataan" became a battle cry for Philippine Guerrilla forces and served as a rallying point for Filipinos during the resistance movement against Japanese occupation.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Province of Bataan is Highly Celebratory of the Event</h3><p class='facts-content'>Every year, the province of Bataan hosts numerous events, such as parades, reenactments, and ceremonies to remember the heroism displayed by the soldiers during the infamous Bataan Death March.</p></div></div>
Bataan Day is celebrated on April 9 every year. In 2024, Bataan Day will fall on a Tuesday.
2023
Apr 9
Sunday
2024
Apr 9
Tuesday
2025
Apr 9
Wednesday
2026
Apr 9
Thursday
2027
Apr 9
Friday
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
